The Tennessee Titans cut their star running back Friday, ending a six-year stretch when he electrified and ultimately frustrated fans.

"As an organization, we want to thank Chris for his contributions to the Titans. Chris produced many memorable moments, broke franchise records and was durable over his six year career with our team," read a statement released by the Titans.

"We have had an open dialogue with Chris' agent, Joel Segal, over the last few weeks, and we appreciate the patience and professionalism they have shown throughout this process. We made an effort to trade Chris but were unable to do so.

"We wish Chris the best and thank him for the six seasons he spent with us."

Johnson was scheduled to make $8 million this year following a season when he ran for 1,077 yards and a career-low average of 3.9 yards per carry. The Titans attempted to trade him after the start of the league new year on March 11, but could not work out a deal with any other team.

Johnson posted a statement on Twitter: "I'd like to thank all of my teammates, the fans, the staff and the coaches who have supported me throughout my journey with the Titans. I have grown so much as an individual and as teammate over the past few years, and I am excited about the opportunity to bring my experience and talents to a new organization. I'm looking forward to the next chapter and can't wait to contribute to my new team."

Johnson flew from his home in Orlando to Nashville late Thursday and reported to Saint Thomas Sports Park on Friday morning to meet with general manager Ruston Webster and take a physical related to knee surgery he underwent in January for a torn meniscus.

The Titans begin their offseason workout program on Monday, and Johnson told The (Nashville) Tennessean recently he planned to be there. If he took part in the program and suffered a serious injury, the Titans would have been on the hook for his $8 million salary.

The Titans saved $6 million in salary-cap space by releasing Johnson. He will count $4 million against the cap in 2014 and then be off the team's books, according to sources familiar with the situation.

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With 7,965 yards, Johnson departs as the franchise's No. 3 all-time rusher behind Eddie George (10,009) and Earl Campbell (8,574). Over the past six seasons, only Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (8,774) has more rushing yards than Johnson.

His run with the Titans was highlighted by a 2009 season when he became just the sixth back in NFL history to eclipse the 2,000-yard mark in a season (Peterson became the seventh member of that club in 2012). Johnson was named the NFL's offensive player of the year that season, when he finished with 2,006 yards and set an NFL record with 2,509 yards from scrimmage.

After paying Johnson $10 million in 2013, however, the Titans were faced with a big financial decision heading into the offseason, and with a new coach in Ken Whisenhunt.

Johnson told The Tennessean on two separate occasions he had no plans to take a pay cut to give him a better chance to be on the roster. In January he told The Tennessean he felt like it might be best if he played elsewhere.

"I feel like if they are not going to use me the way I am supposed to be used and let me be the horse, then I would rather them let me move on. Their money would be wasted on me," Johnson said. "I feel like if they are not going to use me right, let somebody get me that's going to use me the right way.

"No disrespect, I love Tennessee and would love to be in Tennessee. But I feel like I am wasting the prime years of my career if I am not used right. You feel me? It is crazy to look at backs around the league and see the opportunities they have."

Johnson compiled 35 100-yard rushing games in six seasons, including 24 games when he racked up 125 or more. He has 12 rushing touchdowns of 45 yards or longer, which ranks third in NFL history. His six touchdown runs of 80 or more yards are more than any player in NFL history.

He has yet to miss a game because of an injury. He played last season with torn meniscus in his right knee, an injury he suffered in Week 3.

Johnson will also be remembered for failing to live up to the big contract he signed in 2011, when the Titans awarded him with a four-year, $53.5 million extension.

He eclipsed 1,000 yards in each of his six seasons, but his productivity in his final three seasons (4,598 yards, 4.97-yard average, 34 touchdowns) pales in comparison to what he accomplished in his first three seasons (3,367, 4.12 average, 16 touchdowns).

Johnson said recently he would be fine with whatever the Titans decided.

"It's in God's hands. If I am back with the Titans, that's where God wants me to be," Johnson said. "If I have to move on and play somewhere else, that's all God's decision. I know the decision that coach Whisenhunt and the front office of the Titans has to make, but it is going to come as a result of what God wants for me.

"If God wants me to be somewhere else and if God feels like I need a new start, then that it what it is going to be. He's going to do what is best for me, and I don't have a problem with that."